at Fong & Aquino, we believe in a more comprehensive approach. Most of the upcoming CIR battle will take place on Capitol Hill, but there are everyday people who need to learn about CIR. Local officials and community leaders can be powerful advocates for the immigrant community. We think you should also write your state and local representatives, and encourage them to write to Congress and push for change. In other words, it is good to write directly to Congress, and representatives love to hear from you. But they listen even more keenly when local mayors, councils, and state officials write. Therefore, consider writing also to:

Even if you believe your elected officials support immigration law reform, please write to them anyway, because the elected official needs your backing — political cover, if you will — if s/he is going to support something that is a hot-potato issue. –jcf